Why Every Next Level of Your Life Will Demand a Different You.
Are you the same person you were five years ago? Probably not.
It's not just the pandemic that changed you. If I asked you if you were the same person ten years ago, it would likely be a resounding "heck no!" But here's the question: Did you consciously decide who you wanted to become today, or did life's circumstances shape you by default?
For most of us, it's the latter.
If you've changed this much already, logically, you'll be different again by 2030. The real opportunity? Consciously designing that future version of yourself to align with your ten-year goals and aspirations.
Intentional Evolution.
This isn't about 'fixing' yourself but about intentionally pausing to consider what the next level of you looks like.
Think of it like Apple upgrading its products annually. Each year brings small tweaks—a better camera, improved OS, and easier shortcuts. Individually, these changes seem minor, but comparing a 2020 phone to today's model, the difference is striking.
You can approach personal growth the same way. Make deliberate upgrades toward 2030, and when you arrive, you'll be the optimal version for that stage of life. Then, create a new vision and begin again.
This isn't about ignoring the present and living for the future—it's the opposite. Having a clear vision of where you're going brings clarity on what to say yes or no to, congruence in how you want to be, and what habits you need to let go of to reach your 2030 version.
If 2030 feels too far away, how about the January 2026 version of you?
Crafting Your Next-Level Self.
Think of yourself as a personal operating system that needs regular updates:
Features to Preserve:
What core aspects need to stay because they're an integral part of your operating system? Is it your discipline, your ability to see the bigger picture or your attention to detail?
Features to Upgrade:
What needs enhancement? Perhaps you love starting projects but struggle to finish them. Maybe you're great at discipline but become rigid when plans change, or things don't go as anticipated.
Features to Delete:
What's holding you back? Consider procrastination, an inability to delegate or ask for help. What if you could delete your avoidance of conflict or discomfort? How would you show up if you never feared conflict or wanted to be liked by everyone?
When I talk about becoming a different version of yourself, it's not a complete facelift but small, intentional tweaks.
As Marshall Goldsmith says, what got you here won’t get you there. Left unnoticed or ignored, these areas could prevent you from stepping into your next evolution or making the journey a lot longer than it needs to be.
Future-Proof Your Skills: Building Your 2030 Toolkit.
What skills will your 2030 self need to thrive? Beyond personality traits and habits, your future success depends on deliberately developing capabilities that may not even exist today.
Try this exercise: Project yourself ten years into the future and visualise your ideal day in vivid detail. What time do you wake up? Where are you working? Are you surrounded by a team you're mentoring, presenting to a roomful of clients, or perhaps creating innovative solutions in deep focus? What problems are you solving? What tools are you using?
Now, bridge the gap between today and that future vision with actionable steps. If your future self is leading workshops globally, perhaps today you can join Toastmasters or create a monthly lunch-and-learn at your company. Even better, are there existing community forums you can join and contribute to?
If you envision developing cutting-edge technology, commit to a coding course or find an open-source project to contribute to weekly. The most valuable investment isn't just learning current skills—it's developing your ability to adapt, unlearn outdated approaches, and quickly master emerging tools.
Remember, the greatest skill gap often isn't technical but mindset-based. Start now by spending 30 minutes daily on deliberate skill-building that aligns with your ten-year vision, even if it feels uncomfortable or challenging. Your future self will thank you for laying these foundations today.
Time and Energy Alignment.
A different version of you isn't only about personal traits—it's also about how you invest your time and build your energy. Your calendar reveals more about your priorities than your words ever will.
Take a moment to review your calendar from the past month and ask yourself:
Which activities align with your future self?
What behaviours will your future self no longer engage in?
What activities contradict your vision?
Which activities, if removed, would free up more space and energy for what you ultimately want?
What essential area are you currently underinvesting in?
Which tasks or meetings consume most of your time? Are they truly necessary, or are they just ways to feel more in control?
Identify one task or meeting you can delegate to free up time for what really matters to you and your future self.
Which relationships do you need to nurture today?
The path to becoming your future self starts with the choices you make today. Small, consistent upgrades compound over time, transforming you into the person you aspire to be. The question is: Are you ready to be the architect of your evolution rather than leaving it to chance?
Begin Today, Become Tomorrow.
Remember that transformation isn't about massive overnight changes—it's about consistent, deliberate choices that align with your vision. Your future self is being shaped in real time through today's decisions, habits, and mindset. Each small upgrade compounds, just like interest on an investment.
The gap between who you are and who you want to become narrows with every intentional choice. So ask yourself: If you were to meet your future self today, would they thank you for the foundations you're laying now? Don't wait for the perfect moment to begin this evolution. The blueprint for your 2030 self is being drawn with the actions you take right now.
What single change will you commit to today?
Warm wishes
Lori